Ever heard of India's ‘City of Thousand Temples?' Here's why it's a must-visit

Time of India

27-04-2025

Kanchipuram, also known as the
City of a Thousand Temples
, is well-known for its magnificent temple architecture, imposing halls with a thousand pillars, tall gopurams (temple towers), and its famous silk saris. The city, which was once the seat of the Pallava empire, is now one of the most important tourist attractions in India, drawing not just pilgrims but also tourists from other countries and history aficionados.
Kanchipuram
's spiritual aura and cultural diversity draw tourists from across the world.
It is one of the most sacred
Hindu pilgrimage sites in India
and holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. It is one of the seven sites among the 'Moksha-Puris,' Moksha meaning that you can skip the cycle of life and death, attaining Nirvana. Kanchipuram is believed to offer salvation to its devotees.
Kanchipuram's history dates back more than two thousand years. It was once the capital of the Pallava Dynasty,' which ruled from the 4th to the 9th century, and they were great patrons of art, history, architecture, and literature. Later on, this city came under the governance of the Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and the Nayaks, all of whom contributed to the city's spiritual and architectural landscape.
Kanchipuram has developed over the centuries into a significant hub for education in spirituality, religion, and culture. It is also very significant to the Shaivya sect, who worship Lord Shiva in particular, and Vaishnavism, who worship Lord Vishnu.
Among its various and distinct temples, some stand out for their religious significance.
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Ekambeshwarar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the Pancha Bhoota stalas, representing the element 'Earth.' This temple spans over 25 acres and is among one of the largest temples of South India and features a 59-meter-high gopuram (tower).
Kamakshi Amman Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati. Considered to be one of the three holy abodes of the Goddess, the other two being Varanasi and Madurai.
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Varadharaja Perumal Temple
This temple is the home to the 108 Divya Desams (holy shrines for Vaishnavites). It is also known for its beautifully carved sculptures, pillared halls, and religious festivals.
Kailasanathar Temple
Constructed in the 8th century by the Pallava king Rajasimha, it is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram. It is revered for its sandstone carvings and is an excellent example of early Dravidian architecture.
Apart from its spiritual importance, this place is also a major center of silk weaving, renowned for its
Kanchipuram silk sarees
. Intricately woven beautiful patterns, heavy gold work, and their rich colors are regarded as among the finest and most durable sarees in India.
A Kanchipuram saree is often considered a family heirloom and is a must-have in South Indian bridal trousseaus.
The spiritual environment in Kanchipuram is saturated with devotion and history. Ritual festivals like Brahmotsavam, Panguni Uthiram, and Vaikunta Ekadasi are organized with pomp, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
Today, though urbanization has reached areas of the city, Kanchipuram has still managed to maintain its age-old charm. The combination of living traditions, ageless temples, and expert artisans makes it a very special place.
Kanchipuram isn't just a city of a thousand temples but a city where time, faith, traditions, and culture live in harmony